Background

Adderall, also known as Adderall XR, was first used medically in the 1990s as a treatment for ADHD. Its use has exploded in recent years, with around 4.8 million people being prescribed Adderall in the US in 2013.

Adderall is primarily used to help with concentration or fatigue.

Adderall can be very beneficial for people with legitimate medical disorders - in particular, people with ADHD who are having trouble concentrating in school.

Adderall helping people struggling with their education may be the origin of the idea to use it as a ‘smart drug’.

It can help people with ADHD concentrate, so there might have been a perception that it can help those without ADHD in a similar way.

In addition, as Adderall is comprised of amphetamines, it is a powerful stimulant. This means it can be used to keep people awake to work overtime when necessary, similar to how amphetamines have been used historically.

Adderall becomes more popular around exam times when students begin to cram-study into the night and feel they need to stay awake for longer.

Why Has Adderall Use Grown?

The growth of Adderall's use for studying in recent years has several contributing factors.

As mentioned earlier, there are millions of Adderall users in America, with many others around the world.

Growth of legitimate Adderall use means it’s more commonplace, so others may hear of the benefits it provides to those suffering from disorders like ADHD or narcolepsy.

As a result, more students may want to use Adderall themselves, even if they do not have an issue necessitating it, as they can see the benefits it provides for their friends or family.

Students today also feel more pressure in their academic lives.

Recent rises in British tuition fees and expensive higher education in other places means there is more of a demand to succeed on many students.

Consequently, students may feel that taking ‘smart drugs’ like Adderall for studying is mandatory to be successful.

Students' mental health is another contributing factor. “More students than ever” suffer from mental health issues at university, which may hamper their studying.

As a result, some might feel they need to use Adderall for studying if they have fallen behind thanks to mental health issues or feel unable to cope.

Additionally, students may use Adderall for studying if they are finding it difficult to manage university life.

Students often feel the need to take up sports, stay in shape, socialise, enter into and maintain relationships, find work experience, and balance all of this alongside studying a strange new environment.

Some people, understandably, can struggle under this kind of pressure and feel there aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up.

This may induce the use of Adderall for studying as a way to cope with the stress.

And, the increase in Adderall for studying might be symptomatic of our adoption of new technology and other changes in our lifestyle.

Being surrounded by phones, televisions and computers mean it’s now very easy to become distracted and procrastinate.

This might lead to students falling behind in their studies, and using Adderall for studying to make up.

Adderall's Effects As a Study Drug: What Does It Feel Like?

It is very common for those who have taken Adderall to feel energetic and able to focus much better than usual.

Quick Tip:Adderall's mechanism of action is (by a large degree) to act on the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, of which one pathway has a major motivational component. It can for some also increase wakefulness and decrease appetite.

If you want a powerful natural alternative that works on the same pathway (and thus have similar results with fewer side-effects), you should try BrainZyme® Professional.

Some users may experience an 'Adderall high' - this is a euphoric feeling that some people experience when taking a high dosage of Adderall.

The combination of these three things (energetic, focus, euphoria) are the three main reasons why such a high volume of people abuse Adderall.

Having more energy means you can stay up for longer doing work, being more focused means that you are more productive and get more things done in that time and the euphoria makes you feel excited, making it easier to do tasks you usually find boring.

Studies indicate that side effects from chronic use of Adderall may include ‘psychosis, seizures and cardiovascular events’, though again, psychological problems are rare.

Regardless, if you suffer from psychiatric or cardiovascular problems, speak with a doctor before using Adderall either prescribed or off-label.

Importantly, Adderall is not legal in the UK.

It is a Class B controlled substance and is illegal to possess without a prescription.

This can be punished by 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

Moreover, it's illegal to supply to people illicitly, which can be punished by 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

This means it is risky to own, and that it is frequently supplied by shady sources who might sell adulterated or impure products. Moreover, the use of un-prescribed drugs might be tested by some employers, sporting organisations, or academic institutions.

And, as Adderall is comprised of amphetamines, it can cause dependence or addiction if it is used regularly.

Most studies indicate that dependence is not frequent - but, as mentioned, most studies are undertaken on people who have been prescribed Adderall.

Those who do not have a psychiatric disorder or those who do not have a deficiency in the neurotransmitters Adderall increases may run a greater risk of addiction.

Adderall Alternatives?

Watch: A Guide To Nootropics

If you want to take a 'smart drug', but would also like to avoid the side effects of Adderall, then consider a ‘natural nootropic’ like BrainZyme.

'Natural nootropics' are fast growing in popularity among both experienced nootropic and new users. Why? Because they can deliver similar results but by using natural, herbal or protein-based ingredients.

BrainZyme, for example, uses Tyrosine, which has been found to boost dopamine in the brain in a similar way to Adderall.

But, as it's from a naturally occurring protein rather than a synthetic pharmaceutical, it can arguably cause less of the side-effects associated with Adderall.

If you'd like to learn why BrainZyme makes a healthier, safer and more effective alternative to Adderall,please click here.

Conclusion

This article has examined Adderall for studying. It has addressed some of the reasons why Adderall’s use for studying has become more common, such as the general use of the drug increases and growing pressures on students.

It has also addressed some of the common side effects of Adderall, some of the more rare issues it can cause, and other issues such as Adderall’s legality. Finally, it has raised other alternatives to Adderall in the form of 'natural nootropics' like BrainZyme.

* = Important note - whilst BrainZyme is scientifically proven to support concentration and mental performance, it is not a replacement for a good diet, moderate exercise or sleep. BrainZyme is also not a drug, medicine or pharmaceutical. It is a natural-sourced, vegan food supplement with ingredients that are scientifically proven to support cognition, concentration, mental performance and reduction of tiredness. You should always consult with your Doctor if you require medical attention.** = Anecdotally, the improved concentration from BrainZyme enables increased motivation.